HS3SEU-Eugenics from 1865 to the Present Day

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof David Stack
Email: d.a.stack@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores the history of eugenics from 1865 through to the present day. Eugenics is one of the most important, but least well understood, movements of the modern era. At its heart lay a desire to evaluate humans by dividing them into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stock, but the specific forms this took varied over time and by nation. The module will explore these differences and provide a comparative perspective on the history of eugenics.

Aims:

Specials aim to provide 'hands-on' experience of the historian's task through close examination and evaluation of primary sources and the light they shed on issues and problems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• undertake detailed textual and visual analysis and comment on the primary materials


• achieve a detailed command of varying historical interpretations of the primary materials and subject as a whole


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing under timed conditions


• recognise and interpret a wide range of different primary materials


• locate and assemble information on the subject by independent research


• deploy primary materials to shed light on the issues and problems being studied

Additional outcomes:

This module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student’s effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources.

Outline content:

This module explores the history of eugenics from its birth in nineteenth century Britain, through its phenomenal popularity in the first half of the twentieth century, and its ‘secret’ history post-1945. The primary focus is on Britain, but eugenics can only be fully understood comparatively and as a global phenomenon, and this means that we also explore aspects of eugenics in continental Europe, the United Sates, and other regions. Key topics we will cover will include: the thought of Francis Galton, the ‘founder’ of eugenics; the work of the Eugenics Education Society; the passage of the Mental Deficiency Act (1913); the impact of World War One on eugenics; the inter-war campaigns for sterilisation’ the work of International Eugenics Congresses; and the relationship between eugenics and the Church. Alongside these topics, the key questions and concepts we will study will include: What was the scientific status of eugenics? Was it a doctrine of the political left or of the right? Why did eugenics appeal to so many women and feminists? What was the relationship between eugenics and racism? Making use of a range of primary sources, we will also ask a range of historiographical questions centred on the problem of how best to study eugenics: Intellectually, as a science or ideology, and through the writings of key figures? Sociologically, through the class composition of its supporters? Comparatively, through differing national experiences? Or from the standpoint of the victims of eugenics? Finally, the module culminates in a consideration of post-war eugenics, in Britain and beyond, and considers the continuing influence of eugenic thought in the twenty-first century.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• The teaching for this module involves weekly two-hour discussion seminars.


• Students will gain ‘hands-on’ experience of the historian’s task through the detailed evaluations of key texts, objects, and images, and the light they shed on the issues and problems being investigated.


• Students will be required to prepare for seminars through reading from both the primary sources and the secondary literature.


• Students are expected to carry out self-directed revision in the summer term. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20	20	2
Project Supervision	1	1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	40	40
Wider reading (directed)	40	40
Advance preparation for classes	20	20
Preparation for presentations	5	5
Revision and preparation			36
Essay preparation	35	35
Reflection	20	20
Total hours by term	181	181	38
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Students will undertake a 2-hour exam involving detailed commentary on extracts from the sources studied, constituting 40% of the module mark.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write two essays (each constituting 30% of the overall mark for the module) to be submitted electronically, the first by 12 noon on the Monday of Week 1 in the spring term, the second by 12 noon on the Wednesday of Week 11 in the spring term. Each essay shall not exceed 3,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography. Essays which exceed the word limit by more than 5% will incur a penalty of five marks. Candidates will be rewarded for making appropriate use of the prescribed texts.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative work, for instance essay plans, seminar presentations, book reviews, posters, practice source commentaries, will be required for this Special Subject over the two terms. Practice commentaries on the sources will be required for formative assessment.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the third Friday of August.

A candidate who has failed or has not achieved at least Third Class Honours in the Final Examination for a Bachelor’s degree at the first attempt shall have the right to be re-assessed on only one further occasion at the next opportunity (normally August), and, if they elect to be re-assessed, may only be re-assessed in those modules in the Final Part in which they achieved less than 40. Subject to this restriction, a re-examinee may select those modules in which they wish to be re-assessed. A re-examinee will be given a mark for the re-assessed module which reflects the candidate’s performance in the re-assessment. This mark will be recorded on the candidate’s transcript and Diploma Supplement. However, the mark to be used in determining the classification is the higher of (a) the first attempt mark or (b) the lower of 40 and the mark achieved in the re-examination. A candidate who is re-assessed in the Final Part of a Bachelor’s degree shall be eligible for classified Honours, which shall be determined on the basis of the full array of marks relevant to classification, including capped re-assessment marks. The classification itself is not capped. The registration of a candidate who fails the Final Examination at the second attempt shall be terminated and shall not normally be permitted to register for an alternative programme at the same or a higher level. Candidates whose registration is terminated due to failure in the Final Examination may be eligible for a lesser award.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023